Accra: The African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) has issued a call to action, highlighting that while scientific advancements have significantly enhanced the ability to prevent and control diseases like malaria, new challenges have emerged, leaving millions across Africa at ongoing risk.
According to Ghana News Agency, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that in 2024, the African Region accounted for 94 percent of global malaria cases and 95 percent of malaria deaths, with children under five being among the most affected. In a press release marking the 2026 World Mosquito Day, AMMREN emphasized the need for renewed focus on science, innovation, and accurate public information to sustain progress and protect communities.
The Network highlighted that mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting other diseases, such as dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya, making their control crucial for public health. Despite efforts, challenges persist, including insecticide resistance, changing environmental and climatic conditions, and the spread of invasive mosquito species, which pose new concerns for disease-control programs.
AMMREN noted that new tools, including malaria vaccines and improved vector-control interventions, are changing the landscape in the fight against malaria. However, they stressed that mosquito-borne diseases should not be regarded as a problem of the past. There is a need to keep pace with scientific advances and ensure that accurate, accessible information reaches every community.
The Network urged the translation of knowledge into action to protect lives, focusing on three key areas: sustaining investment in science, strengthening surveillance and innovation, and developing effective tools against evolving mosquito-borne disease threats. They emphasized placing communities at the center of prevention efforts by ensuring people have the knowledge, tools, and support they need to protect themselves and seek timely care.
Furthermore, AMMREN called for strengthening health communication by making accurate, evidence-based information a core component of disease prevention and control strategies. Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Secretary of AMMREN, stated, "We must keep the science moving, but we must also ensure that people are not left behind." She emphasized that accurate information is a powerful tool for prevention and that the fight against mosquito-borne diseases is ongoing. Dr. Binka concluded by underscoring the importance of protecting Africa's progress, embracing new solutions, and ensuring no community is left behind.